Incorporation of MOF UiO-66-NH2 and polyaniline for enhanced performance of low-cost carbon-based perovskite solar cells

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising technology in recent years. The commercial viability of PSCs is highly anticipated soon. However, the only hindrance is its limited long-term stability due to moisture, humidity, higher working temperatures, and UV-A light deterioration. Consequently, the PSC structure can be modified accordingly. Additive engineering and surface passivation are excellent techniques. In this study, we successfully utilized Polyaniline (PANI) and UiO-66-NH2 metal-organic framework (MOF) to enhance the performance of PSC devices. PANI passivates nonradiative recombination and defects caused by UV-A light at the ETL-perovskite interface. MOF additive is incorporated into the perovskite precursor solution. XRD indicates that MOF enhances its crystallinity and surface morphology. Additionally, perovskite grain size increases (Scherrer equation); thus, the grain boundary defects decrease. Furthermore, both additives help to restrict Pb2+ ions in the perovskite absorber layer. For the champion cell (with both additives), the enhanced optoelectronic performance with PCE of 11.71% is obtained. A decrease in hydrophilicity of the perovskite surface is demonstrated using MOF-treated cells. Moreover, the treated sample exhibits enhanced stability compared to the untreated cell, as demonstrated through stress testing.